Ming Dynasty Pottery Miniature Food Offering Plate

Ming Dynasty, c. 1550–1644, China

This charming mingqi (spirit good) is a sancai-glazed miniature model of an offering plate, adorned with five peaches—a symbol of longevity and immortality in Chinese culture. Designed as a funerary object, it would have been placed in a tomb to provide sustenance and blessings for the deceased in the afterlife. The plate, glazed in the traditional sancai palette of green, amber, and cream, showcases the Ming dynasty's mastery of pottery and its deep-rooted cultural symbolism. The peaches, molded with exquisite detail, reflect the high regard for nature and its connection to health, prosperity, and eternal life.

The Ming dynasty (1368–1644) revitalized the tradition of mingqi, which originated during the Han dynasty. These items were integral to burial practices, symbolizing the earthly possessions and aspirations of the deceased. Tombs often featured elaborate displays of pottery figures, animals, and offerings, with the number and quality determined by the individual's status and wealth. The sancai glazing technique, prized for its vibrant colors and lustrous finish, was developed to mimic luxurious materials like bronze and jade. It became a hallmark of the Ming dynasty's funerary art, imbuing objects with both aesthetic appeal and spiritual significance.This miniature offering plate, with its delicate form and rich symbolism, not only exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of the Ming dynasty but also offers a glimpse into the beliefs and customs surrounding death and the afterlife in ancient China.

Good condition. Intact. Age-related wear and abrasion. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Size approx. 6,8cm x 2,4cm x 2,6cm. 

Provenance: Dutch private collection

For a similar example see:

Model of food offering, Asian Civilisations Museum - National Heritage Board, Singapore, Accession Number: 1993-00063                  (https://www.roots.gov.sg/en/collection-landing/listing/1060453)

References and further reading:

The Matter of Tang Tomb Figures; A New Perspective on a Group of Terracotta Animals and Riders, Lucien Van Valen & Isabelle Garachon, The Rijksmuseum Bulletin, Volume 62. pp. 218-239, 2014.

Dream of Ideal Life in Ancient China: Ceramic Miniatures of Architectures, Household Goods, People and Animals, Aichi.ken Toji Shiryokan, Seto, 2005, no. 14, p. 34.

Antecedents of Sui-Tang Burial Practices in Shaanxi, Mary Fong, Artibus Asiae 51, no:s. 3–4 (1991), pp. 147–98.

Mingqi - Items for the next world, Jan-Erik Nilsson, Gotheborg.com (https://gotheborg.com/glossary/mingqi.shtml)

Immortality of the Spirit: Chinese Funerary Art from the Han and Tang Dynasties Exhibition Catalogue, Jill J. Deupi, Ive Covaci & Leopold Swergold, Immortality of the Spirit - Ephemera. 1, Fairfield University, 2012. (https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/immortality_ephemera/1)

The Vibrant Role of Mingqi in Early Chinese Burials, Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, Heather Colburn Clydesdale, Independent Scholar, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, April 2009. (www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/mgqi/hd_mgqi.htm)